Outcomes remain the same in fourth, final ballot count in Jefferson County

PORT TOWNSEND — It’s Kate Dean and Jeff Randall.

The fourth and final count of Nov. 8 general election ballots before the election is certified on Nov. 29 saw Dean winning against fellow Port Townsend Democrat Tim Thomas in the race for a Jefferson County commissioner seat with 11,818 votes to 6,054 votes — or 65.38 percent to 33.49 percent.

Dean’s final numbers were only slightly down from the third count on Thursday, Nov. 10, where she had 66.09 percent.

Randall won 9,961 votes to incumbent Barney Burke’s 6,099 votes — or 61.56 percent to 37.69 percent — for the race for a seat on the Jefferson County Public Utility District commission.

Jefferson County has processed 21,026 ballots of the 24,545 registered voters in the county, putting 2016 election participation at 85.45 percent.

That is higher than in previous counts but still lower than the 2012 election which saw just over 88 percent participation and lower than the 2009 election, which had 91.27 percent voter turnout.

Tax levy measure

A measure for a tax levy to fund the Brinnon Parks and Recreation District 2 has failed, with 423 votes, of 54,3 percent against it, and 355 votes, or 45.63 in favor.

The measure needed a 60 percent supermajority it needs to pass. It was the fist time board members have asked for a tax levy since voters created the district in 2012.

In 24th Legislative District, which covers Jefferson and Clallam counties as well as part of Grays Harbor County, three Democrats have won their races.

In the race for state senator, Democrat Kevin Van De Wege of Sequim on Tuesday had 57.2 percent of the vote over GOP -independent candidate Danille Turissini of Port Ludlow’s 42.8 percent.

In the state representative races Mike Chapman, D-Port Angeles, has 61.33 percent of the vote to Port Ludlow Republican George Vrable’s 38.67 percent.

Incumbent state Rep. Steve Tharinger, D-Sequim, won 57.6 percent of the vote to Sequim Republican John Alger’s 42.4 percent.

In the race for president Jefferson County voters favored Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump, with Clinton winning 62.47 percent of the vote to Trump’s 29.78 percent.

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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Cydney McFarland can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 55052, or at cmcfarland@peninsuladailynews.com.